Drake sues UMG for defamation over Kendrick's 'Not Like Us'

Drake – Source: Prince Williams/Wireimage/Joseph Okpako/WireImage

The manager calling Complain Papi is back.

After withdrawing a petition in New York, Drake has officially filed a federal defamation lawsuit against UMG for promoting “Not Like Us” and he particularly disagrees with the assertion that he “likes them young.”

Not even 24 hours after Drake withdrew his petition against Universal Music Group and Spotify, it appears the drama is far from over. According to TMZOn Wednesday, Drake filed a federal defamation lawsuit in New York against UMG, alleging his label was behind the “false and malicious narrative” in “Not Like Us” that he was a pedophile.

“UMG’s greed has had very real consequences. As described above, it was only three days after UMG's initial release of the recording and image that Drake was targeted in his Toronto home by armed intruders during the equivalent of 2024 of “Pizzagate”. The online response was equally violent and hateful. An avalanche of hate speech online has called Drake a sex offender and a pedophile, among other epithets. article 15 of the suit reads, according to TMZ.

The lawsuit also reveals that Drake and UMG are set to renegotiate his contract this year and alleges that the label promoted Kendrick's “Not Like Us” to stifle Drake's influence.

“The contract between UMG and Drake must be renegotiated in 2025. In spring 2024, UMG understood that the rise of streaming platforms had “strengthened the negotiating power of artists”. Established artists whose contracts are up for renewal are in a better position to demand higher acceptance rates through improved cash flow visibility and reduced risk. »48 And as described below, based on information and belief, UMG was moved to act. , and in fact acted in a manner to reduce this negotiating leverage prior to upcoming contract renewal negotiations with Drake,” the lawsuit states.

Perhaps the most telling part of the lawsuit alleges that UMG wanted the world to hear the lyrics that it “likes them young” in every measure of the song. Drizzy is reportedly set to release a new album in the coming weeks and it will be interesting to see how it is received and promoted.

Super Bowl LIX is a month away, and all eyes will be on Kendrick Lamar to see if “Not Like Us” makes the setlist.

You can read the full lawsuit filed by Drake's legal team. here.